LA Galaxy lose 1-0 to Real Salt Lake

CARSON, Calif. —The LA Galaxy suffered their first loss of the 2013 preseason on Friday afternoon at The Home Depot Center, falling 1-0 to Real Salt Lake.

Former Galaxy midfielder Ned Grabavoy scored the game’s only goal in the 27th minute, sending a left-footed blast past Carlo Cudicini and into the top corner of the net. The goal was the first allowed by the Galaxy in their three preseason games.

The Galaxy came close twice just before halftime to tying the game, but Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando was equal to the task each time. In the 42nd minute, Robbie Keane put Rafael Garcia clean through on goal, only for the RSL keeper to deny LA’s second year midfielder. Three minutes later, Rimando was called upon again, this time denying Mike Magee on the stroke of halftime, keeping the score 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Former Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders made his first appearance for Real Salt Lake, coming on at halftime in place of Rimando. He was called upon in the 79th minute to make a save off a Jack McBean header while Oscar Sorto fired a low shot just wide of Saunders’ right post two minutes later.